PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. -- Pembroke Pines city commissioners legalized goats as pets Wednesday after a battle involving Buster and Baabs, two goats that were almost forced to move.

Julian Arencibia moved from New Jersey to Florida to enjoy a quiet, peaceful life with his family, which includes horses, dogs, cats and the controversial goats.

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But soon after, his neighbors began complaining that Buster and Baabs were causing a stink.

Some neighbors said the presence of goats would diminish property values while others complained of the smell.

Arencibia was cited by the city 17 times for having goats. Before Wednesday, the city zoning code allowed horses and cows in the agricultural neighborhood, but not goats.

In December, Arencibia took his case to the City Commission, which handed the issue to the Planning and Zoning Board. Board members ruled that it didn't make sense to prohibit goats while allowing larger animals.

The City Commission is set to vote on the new rules, which allow four animals per acre of land, on April 20.

''Obviously I feel it's a great vindication,'' Arencibia told The Miami Herald. "I thank them for actually doing what is right. I never expected that to happen."